Shorting Out the Myths of Solar Power Electronics: What Fits and What Fails

February 3, 2011 | State of the Market Report

Central and string inverters from players like SMA and Fronius have dominated the solar inverter landscape in recent years. However, the success of Enphase’s microinverters has given way to a near-revolution in the solar power electronics industry. Several start-ups emerged from stealth mode in 2010 – and more will continue to do so in 2011 – boasting many shades of DC-to-AC microinverter, DC/DC converter, and everything in between. But as their initial shine diminishes, these new products will not best the incumbents in all installations. And even in market segments where they do offer significant performance benefits and cost savings, gaining market share won’t come easy.

Coverage Areas

  • Next Generation Power
  • Owning the Energy Transition

Table of Contents

  • Executive Summary
  • Landscape
    String and central inverters dominate the market today. Only one microinverter developer had even attempted to break the mold prior to 2010; now, several more are joining the fray.
  • Analysis
    System performance and LCOE analysis shows higher levels of power electronics distribution are favorable as system size decreases – though installers remain wary about reliability.
  • Outlook
  • Endnotes

Lead Analyst

Matthew Feinstein
Analyst
+1 (917) 484-4873

Categories Silicon and thin-film PV cells and modules, Novel PV modules, Other energy harvesting materials

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